Having trouble packing? Travel experts share how to find the perfect organizer (2024)

Spring break is just around the corner, which means it’s time to grab your carry-on and luggage tag and get ready to hit the road. Although packing for a vacation can often be stressful, organizers are a great way to maximize your suitcase space and fit all your necessary travel accessories inside without struggling to close it shut.

From travel-friendly jewelry cases to packing cube sets, we’ve found several organizers for your smartest and most efficient packing experience yet. Gone are the days of stressing about preparing for a long-awaited vacation!

What makes a good travel organizer? | Shop TODAY Travel Gear Awards winner | Travel organizers for apparel | Travel organizers for accessories | How we chose | Meet the experts

Best travel organizers

  • Having trouble packing? Travel experts share how to find the perfect organizer (1)

    Best overall

    Cotopaxi Nido Accessory Bag

    $undefined

    $40.00

    Cotopaxi

    Learn more
  • Having trouble packing? Travel experts share how to find the perfect organizer (2)

    Most budget-friendly

    $15.99

    $29.99

    Learn more
  • Having trouble packing? Travel experts share how to find the perfect organizer (3)

    Best splurge

    5-Piece Packing Cube Set

    $68.00

    $68.00

    Calpak

    Learn more
  • Having trouble packing? Travel experts share how to find the perfect organizer (4)

    Best for shoes

    The Shoe Cubes (Large) in Black

    $35.00

    $35.00

    Away

    Learn more
What makes a good travel organizer?

When it comes to finding the right travel organizer, it is important to consider the accessibility and material of the product. "A good travel organizer must be easy to access and easy to repack to truly be a benefit rather than an inconvenience during the trip," says Jonathan Alder, a luxury travel advisor.

Travel blogger Ali Garland says that packing cubes are a great way to help organize your luggage so you can find things while you’re traveling. “They can also be great for separating dirty clothes from clean clothes, and if you’re sharing a suitcase with a partner, using different colored packing cubes makes it easy to tell whose stuff is whose,” suggests Garland.

"Most of our clients are only spending a few days in each destination before moving on to a new region, so being able to quickly put things in and take things out while still keeping everything organized is a huge advantage and the ultimate goal," explains Alder. When it comes to materials for packing cubes, Alder recommends see-through plastic for visibility or durable nylon.

Garland recommends travel organizers that are made of thin and lightweight materials that are high quality. "You don’t want poorly made thin material that will rip," she says.

Shop TODAY Travel Gear Awards winner

Cotopaxi Nido Accessory Bag

Cotopaxi Nido Accessory Bag$40.00

What we like

  • Durable
  • Easy to clean
  • Water-resistant

Something to note

  • Small in size

Award: Best Overall Toiletry Bag | Category: Toiletry Bag

This colorful bag is a Shop TODAY Travel Gear Awards winner for best overall toiletry bag and is rated a 4.9 overall on the brand's website.

"It holds everything-from full sized face washes to jewelry, hair products and more. It has three main zippered compartments, that include little pouches and compartments within, truly maximizing the space," says editorial assistant Sierra Hoeger. "Plus, it’s durable and the recycled nylon fabric is easy to clean with a Clorox wipe, should anything spill," she says.

Travel organizers for apparel

Hibag Compression Bags for Travel

What we like

  • Easy to use
  • Reusable

Something to note

  • May have to re-suction

Dimensions: ‎10.67" x 6.85" x 2.25" | Material: Polyethylene

Keep calm and travel on! These compression bags are about to become your new best friend. This 12-pack combo, made of polyethylene, includes six medium and six large bags that are the ultimate travel solution for efficient packing.

One Shop TODAY writer who put these to the test had nothing but raves about the value and amount of space she's saving in her carry-on. "I'm only using half the space that I'm accustomed to cramming clothing and essentials into. These problem solvers have practically taken 100 percent of the pain out of packing," she summarized.

Bagail Packing Cubes

What we like

  • Durable
  • Great for sorting clothes

Something to note

  • Zippers may be hard to open

Colorways: 12 | Size: Set of eight | Material: Nylon

This elegant set of eight packing cubes is Amazon’s bestseller in travel packing with over 21,500 verified five-star ratings. All of your swimsuits and beach towels will stay immaculate as these packing cubes are designed to protect from wrinkles, odors and stains. Verified customers speak to the product’s ability to hold a plethora of items, even rain boots!

Shacke Pak Packing Cubes

What we like

  • Lightweight
  • Durable

Something to note

  • May be flimsy

Colorways: 14 | Size: Set of five | Material: Nylon

This five-piece packing cube set is an Amazon’s Choice for traveling packing organizer for good reason — for starters, it has a near-perfect average and 18,000+ verified five-star ratings. Each size bag in this set was tested, designed and selected to create the perfect packing cube kit for up to a two-week vacation, according to the brand. This useful set also includes a laundry bag to successfully separate your clean clothes from the dirty ones.

One verified customer said, “I’ve heard about these products, but didn’t think I’d ever use them. What was I thinking? I used all of these for a recent trip, Zippers work well, cubes are sturdy with a carry strap. Big improvement over my usual packing job. I would recommend these.”

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes

What we like

  • Spacious
  • Durable

Something to note

  • May lose shape

Colorways: 10 | Dimensions: 17.32” x 12.99” x 3.54” | Material: Nylon

Made from ultra-soft, lightweight, rip-stop nylon, these compression cubes feature double zippers and easy grab handle for more seamless excursions.

“I just recently used these on a trip and loved them. I was able to get five pairs of pants in one and five heavier shirts in another. They compacted so well that I had extra room in my suitcase. I have been telling friends about them,” said one satisfied customer.

Dagne Dover Rae Roll-Top Dry Bag

Rae Roll-Top Dry Bag$25.00

What we like

  • Waterproof
  • Dries quickly

Something to note

  • Thin material

Colorways: Two | Dimensions: 5.25” x 1” — 11” H (depending on how much you roll it) | Material: Waterproof nylon

How many times have you gone swimming while on vacation and had zero space to store your dripping wet bikini? Struggle no more as this Dagne Dover roll-top dry bag is ideal for post-swim storage and protecting your bathing suits. This 100 percent vegan bag includes a wipeable waterproof interior and plastic clip to ensure that moisture doesn’t drip onto your clean gear.

“This is a lifesaver when going to the beach or pool. It’s spacious enough to put a couple of wet suits away and keep them separate in your beach bag,” said one verified buyer.

Stow-N-Go Luggage Organizer

What we like

  • Durable

Something to note

  • Not super roomy

Colorways: Six | Dimensions: 11.8” x 11.8” x 25.2” | Material: Polyester

Whether you’re hanging 10 at the beach or lounging by the pool over spring break, this luggage and travel organizer is sure to come in handy. We know you’ll want your vacation to start the moment you land at the airport and this sweet set will save you time unpacking — all you need to do is hang it in your closet to instantly access all your wardrobe essentials.

“You know those products that make you go, “Wow, why didn’t I think of that?” Well, this is one of them,” one Shop TODAY writer said about this clever organizer. “Thanks to the three-tiered shelving system, I never have to spend time unpacking or, more importantly, touching dirty hotel drawers or closets. As soon as I undo the Stow-N-Go’s buckles, it expands, leaving my neatly stacked clothing wrinkle-free and easy to access.”

Bagail Compression Packing Cubes

What we like

  • Spacious

Something to note

  • May not be air tight

Colorways: 33 | Size: Set of four

Are you known to have a lot of baggage? These bestselling compression packing cubes with 14,500 verified five-star ratings are exactly what you need for your next vacation. The smooth, soft nylon fabric will protect your clothes from wrinkles and stains, even if you’re traveling all the way across the world.

One wanderlust-filled Amazon shopper raved, “I bought these for a trip to Greece. It was amazing how much I could fit into each one. It really helped separate my clothes so I didn’t have to unpack my entire suitcase each time. It was nice to have them zipped up when TSA opened my bag too. It seems like I was definitely able to get more clothes in that I would have been able to without them, and I liked how tidy it was.”

Eagle Creek PACK-IT™ Isolate Compression Cube Set

What we like

  • Nice compression
  • Multiple sizes
  • Great quality

Something to note

  • Small in size

Colorways: Four | Size: S/M set | Materials: Polyester ripstop

Garland is a fan of Eagle Creek's packing cubes which are designed for travelers that want to travel light, according to the brand. Available in four hues and rated a 4.7-overall, this durable set of packing cubes contains two different sizes to safely store all your vacation essentials.

Away The Insider Packing Cubes

The Insider Packing Cubes (Set of 6)$65.00

What we like

  • Water-resistant
  • Durable

Something to note

  • Pricey

Colorways: Four | Size: Set of six | Material: Nylon

This set of six packing cubes is sure to blow you Away! Made from water-resistant nylon, these chic travel organizers are designed with a mesh panel so you can easily spot your favorite cover-up without having to rummage through your entire suitcase. “Love them!!! Makes finding items so much easier,” said one happy customer.

Calpak Packing Cubes 5-Piece Set

5-Piece Packing Cube Set$68.00

What we like

  • Great quality

Something to note

  • Pricey

Colorways: 17 | Size: Set of five | Material: Polyester

Packing was just made easy with this five-piece-set that includes a water-resistant envelope pouch. Designed to fit nicely in your luggage and keep all your toiletries and more in order. “Got the five piece set in black. In comparison to previous sets I’ve owned, these are much more supportive and sleek. In addition, although they appear thin, they can store a lot more than you’d think. Would recommend!” exclaimed one customer.

Travel organizers for accessories

Cheopz Travel Watch Case

What we like

  • Very sturdy
  • Keeps watch protected

Something to note

  • May be smaller than expected

Material: Nylon

An Amazon’s Choice for watch travel cases, this round, hard shell box is the ideal solution to protect your precious timepiece while traveling. The high-quality zipper will help keep this case securely closed and features a soft plush velvet interior lining to protect against unwanted scratches.

Bagsmart Jewelry Organizer

What we like

  • Sturdy
  • Keeps jewelry organized

Something to note

  • Could use spot for bracelets

Colorways: Eight | Dimensions: 9.8’’ x 6.1’’ x 1.9’’ | Material: Polyester

Keep all your bedazzled goods extra shiny while traveling with this soft polyester organizer. This Amazon’s Choice product includes five compartments and two-way zipper closure for keeping your valuables safely stored.

One five-star reviewer raved, “I love this case. It’s soft, meaning it collapses down to hold the jewelry but not take a lot of space in my luggage. It holds enough jewelry for a daily change for a week or more. Everything stays in place, no tangles of chains or things going missing.”

Port and Polish Pill Box

What we like

  • Soft matte finish
  • Compact

Something to note

  • Plastic

Colorways: Five | Specifications: 5.5” x 2.5” x 0.75” | Material: Plastic

You may be on vacation time, but you’ll no doubt be able to keep your days straight with this Port and Polish pill box. Not only does this pill organizer include seven compartments for easy cleaning, but they are also certified plastic-neutral.

Away The Shoe Cube

The Shoe Cubes (Large) in Black$35.00

What we like

  • Good quality material
  • Functional

Something to note

  • Can be bulky in suitcase

Colorways: Three | Size: 8.66” x 5.1” x 13.8” | Material: Nylon

If the shoe fits! Made from sturdy and flexible water-resistant nylon, this shoe cube from Away features a collapsible divider for separating your sneakers, sandals and high heels for various vacation activities. “I have 3 of these in the primary colors. They protect your shoes, look great and fit nicely in the Away suitcases that I own. Along with the packing cubes these are a necessity,” said one satisfied customer.

Béis The Hanging Jewelry Case

The Hanging Jewelry Case$48.00

What we like

  • Great quality

Something to note

  • May be too large

Material: Polyurethane, nylon, micro-suede

This super trendy organizer from Beis will keep your necklaces, bracelets, rings and more in pristine condition while you travel. Lined with a peach skin microfiber, this resourceful case includes six small zip pockets, three necklace holders, an elasticized pocket, two medium zip pockets and a large zip pocket. It’s also embossed with the Beis logo and includes a built-in hanger for easy storage and access when on the road.

One verified buyer said, “I love this case! It can store A LOT without getting bulky and failing to close up. When hanging everything is visible and easily accessible. I’m buying them for all the jewelry loving travelers in my life!!”

Frequently Asked Questions

"The best materials would either be a strong nylon or a clear plastic, so you can easily see what is in each cube or section without having to take everything out," Alder says.

According to Alder, travel organizers are definitely worth it when trying to pack as much as possible in a smaller suitcase. "For the person that wants everything in its place, packing organizers can be a lifesaver. However, they’re the best fit for the right trip and the right suitcase," says Alder.

How we chose the best travel organizers

The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best travel organizers by including the recommendations and advice directly from travel experts. We also combed through top-rated user reviews and included our Shop TODAY Travel Awards winner for best overall toiletry bag.

Meet the expert

Allie Wise

Allie Wise is an associate editor for Shop TODAY.

Having trouble packing? Travel experts share how to find the perfect organizer (2024)
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